What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ stands for Temporomandibular Joint and refers to the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull. These joints are the hardest working joints in the body and work in symmetry to allow for opening and closing of the mouth as well as forward, backward and sideway movements of the lower jaw.

The TMJ is surrounded by many muscles, which hold the joints in place and support the TMJ to work effectively with chewing (mastication) and speaking. 

When these two joints are out of alignment, it can cause muscle spasm and lead to  many problems, such as pain in the jaw joints, c licking or popping of the jaw joints or limited opening of your mouth. We commonly refer to this as TMJ dysfunction.

 

 

What are common symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction can show a  wide range of symptoms which can make it hard to diagnose. The symptoms can be mild to severe, temporary or constant. Clients often report that they first notice symptoms when they have been feeling stressed for a while, e.g. due to work.

Common symptoms include:

Headaches

Clenching or grinding of the teeth

Clicking  or popping sensation when opening & closing the mouth

Pain or discomfort in or around the jaw joint

Dull aching sensation or feeling 'tired' in the face

Neck, shoulder or upper back pain

Numbness or tingling of the fingers

Pain behind the eyes

Earaches or ringing of the ears (Tinnitus)

 

 

What can cause TMJ Dysfunction?

Research into the causes of TMJ dysfunction is still ongoing but it generally seems to be caused by a wide number of things and in most cases, it is caused by a combination of the following:

Stress

Grinding/clenching of the jaw (Bruxism)

Forward head posture

Suppression of emotions or repression of anger

Injury to the jaw or facial area

Whiplash /b lows to the head

Arthritis in the joint itself

Movement of the disc or cushion in the jaw joint

 

According to the WHO at least a quarter of the world population suffers from TMJ Dysfunction. In addition, scientific evidence now proves that the COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant impact on the prevalence of TMJ Dysfunction symptoms, anxiety and depression throughout society.